Welcome to Fem Forte!

Episodes

Aug. 1, 2025

Behind the Laughs: Tech, Comedy, and Political Satire Without Apology…

Arielle Isaac Norman doesn’t just tell jokes—she challenges the entire system. In this episode, we dive into Arielle’s sharp, boundary-pushing comedy and how she weaves politics, gender, and identity into her work with fearle...

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July 25, 2025

Building a Career with Timing and Trust with Julie Davila

Julie Davila is a name you’ll find etched in the halls of WGI and PAS, but her story is far more than accolades. In this episode, Julie shares how her career was built on relationships, initiative, and the quiet power of foll...

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July 17, 2025

All That Raaz: From Emo Punk to Entrepreneurship and Inner Healing

What happens when you finally give yourself permission to create what you want? Kelly Raaz answers that question through her story of starting a successful business built on punk nostalgia and self-expression. We talk about h...

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July 11, 2025

More Than a Starving Artist: Music Education, Mental Health, and Maki…

Kate Warren is here to challenge every limiting belief about musicianship. In this episode, she talks about mental health in the arts, the science behind motivation, and how social media can be a platform for positive change....

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July 4, 2025

From Broadway to Big Tops: A Musician’s Journey of Discovery with Mac…

From Mean Girls to Cirque du Soleil, Mackenna Tolfa has played it all—and played it well. In this episode, she reveals how staying curious led to world tours, composing original works, and becoming one of the first female dru...

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June 27, 2025

Directing with Heart: Creating Space, Letting Go, and Leading with Em…

What does it mean to direct without dominating? Allison Price (they/them) invites us into their world of intimate, immersive theater and queer performance. With accolades from the Kennedy Center and a deep commitment to inclu...

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July 12, 2024

The Importance of Arts Advocacy in Legislation with Paulette Tomlinson

In this episode of Fem Forte, I am joined by Paulette Tomlinson, the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD. Paulette shares her inspiring journey from band director to fine arts director, highlighting the pivotal moments and c...

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July 5, 2024

Redefining Performance: Dance, Choreography, and Neurodiversity with …

On this episode, I am joined by the incredible Courtney Allyson Mills. With over 25 years of experience in dance education, freelance choreography, and consulting, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the tabl...

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June 28, 2024

Run It Like a Business with Aubrey Berguaer

Join us as we sit down with Aubrey Bergauer, dubbed “the Steve Jobs of classical music” and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony.” Known for her data-driven, customer-centric approach, Aubrey has transformed major institution...

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June 21, 2024

On the Starting Line with Samia Vanderkolff

In this exciting episode of Fem Forte, we sit down with the incredibly talented Samia Vanderkolff, the current Movement Caption Head for the Bluecoats. Samia has a rich history of choreographing for top performing ensembles w...

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June 14, 2024

The Road to Hollywood and Representation in Queer Media with Nicole P…

In this enlightening episode of Fem Forte, we are joined by the talented Nicole Pacent, an actress and producer celebrated for her roles in Westworld , Criminal Minds Evolution , Call Me Kat , and the groundbreaking web serie...

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June 7, 2024

From Volunteer to Bluecoats CFO with Genevieve Geisler

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Genevieve Geisler, an absolute powerhouse in the drum corps community. Starting her journey as a food truck volunteer, Genevieve's passion and dedication have propelled her to the r...

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May 31, 2024

From Drums to Dreams: Amanda Muse's Path to Hollywood's Scoring Stages

In this episode, we talk with Los Angeles based composer Amanda Muse. Amanda shares the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for music and led her from being a percussionist/drummer to a renowned composer. We dive deep in...

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May 24, 2024

Finding Your Voice: Empowering Musicians Through Podcasting with Dr. …

On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay, a dynamic serial entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the world of music and podcasting. With her diverse expertise as an educator, flutist, podcas...

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May 17, 2024

Empowering Girls Through Music: Creating Athena Camp with Myra Rhoden

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Myra Rhoden, the Fine Arts Department Chairperson and Band Director at Fayette County High School in Georgia. Dr. Rhoden shares her inspiring journey into music education, highlighting th...

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March 23, 2024

Live Taping: Celebrating Women's History Month with Texas A&M Kingsvi…

Welcome back, listeners! As we celebrate Women’s History Month. In this special episode, we're taking it back to where it all began – my alma mater, Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Joined by fellow Javelinas on the panel, ...

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Dec. 15, 2023

Forging Your Own Path with Trish Cornett, Lauren Ryals, Jennifer Lese…

In this special live taping of Fem Forte, we had the privilege of addressing hundreds of students at the Incomparable Marching Workshop held at West Chester University. Our panel of remarkable women, Trish Cornett, Shirley Do...

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Dec. 8, 2023

The Road to the Blue Man Group World Tour with Kaylie Brooke and Jame…

Did you know the Blue Man Group actually doesn't include just men? Kaylie Brooke and Jamese Moses are trailblazers in the world of entertainment, making history as part of the first inaugural all-women cast of "The Musician" ...

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Dec. 1, 2023

Beyond the Sticks: Women in Percussion with Sandi Rennick, Lauren Tee…

We're bringing you a unique treat: our very first live taping at the Girls March camp in the vibrant heart of Houston, Texas.This episode holds a special place in our hearts because it allowed us to sit down with some of our ...

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Nov. 24, 2023

Creating Girls March with Raychel Taylor

Imagine walking into a drumline or front ensemble audition and only seeing other girls there. It may be tough to picture. Raychel Taylor has become a visionary leader in the world of percussion and her deep passion for empowe...

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Nov. 17, 2023

Women in Brass with Amanda Petro

In this episode, we delve into two essential topics: the importance of representation, particularly for women in brass, and the role of inclusivity in the music world. Amanda Petro sheds light on the strides being made to cre...

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Nov. 10, 2023

Music Marketing 101: Utilizing TikTok for Creative Entrepreneurship w…

Get ready for one of our favorite episodes with Kirsten Haddox (@kirstenoboe), a Pittsburgh-based oboist, content creator, and marketing pro. Kirsten's online presence is a captivating blend of music career guidance, oboe cov...

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Nov. 3, 2023

The Art of Growth and Reimagining Artistry with Ellie Morrison

Today we dive into the world of utilizing passion for the arts in non-traditional and unconventional ways, exploring how Ellie Morrison has crafted her own unique path in the realm of creativity and content creation. We also ...

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Oct. 27, 2023

Developing Confidence as a First-Year Teacher with Sammi Rogers

This episode is a must-listen for everyone. Whether you're a music teacher, a band director, a devoted drum corps or indoor percussion fan, or a student considering a future in music education, there's something in this conve...

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